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Leopard 2 Tank Performance in Ukraine Questioned by Military Assessment
A recent assessment by the Ukrainian military has cast doubt on the effectiveness of Germany’s Leopard 2 tanks on the front lines in Ukraine. Kyiv’s troops reportedly favor utilizing older German tanks from the 1960s, citing concerns over the modern equipment’s battlefield performance.
Concerns Raised Over Advanced German Military Hardware
Ukrainian soldiers have also voiced reservations about other sophisticated German military equipment, including howitzers and air defense systems. They claim these systems are overly delicate and prone to malfunction under the rigors of combat conditions.
Feedback Delivered to German Army
The revelations emerged from a briefing given by the Deputy Military Attaché at the German Embassy in Kyiv. In January, the attaché reportedly met with 200 German army personnel at a military base in Saxony to relay feedback obtained directly from their Ukrainian counterparts regarding the deployed German weaponry.
Report Highlights Dissatisfaction with Modern Equipment
German news publication Sueddeutsche Zeitung acquired a transcript of this lecture, revealing that Ukrainian forces expressed dissatisfaction with much of the advanced German military technology provided to them.
Deployment of Leopard 2 Tanks
In 2023, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz authorized the shipment of 18 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, joining other NATO allies such as the US and UK in supplying modern tanks like Abrams and Challenger 2.
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Older German Tanks Preferred
Despite Berlin becoming a major supplier of military assistance to Kyiv, Ukrainian soldiers indicate that 60-year-old German tanks have demonstrated greater capability against Russian forces than their contemporary counterparts.
“Hardly Suitable for War”
The assessment document concluded that, “Hardly any large German piece of equipment is fully suitable for war,” underscoring the severity of the reported issues.
Leopard 2A6: Complex and Difficult to Repair
Specifically, the feedback highlighted that the Leopard 2A6, considered a flagship of Germany’s modern armored forces, was deemed excessively complex and costly to repair. Furthermore, frontline repairs were described as nearly impossible, leaving damaged tanks vulnerable and out of action.
Reliability of Older Systems
In contrast, the Leopard 2’s predecessor, dating back to 1965, is perceived as more dependable. Ukrainian soldiers also lauded the German Gepard anti-aircraft tank, a Leopard 1 derivative from 1976, as “the most popular, most efficient, and most reliable weapon system” provided by Berlin.
Key Criticisms: Cost and Repair Issues
The central grievances expressed by Ukrainian forces regarding modern German weapons systems revolved around them being “too expensive” and “hard to repair” in operational environments.
Panzerhaubitze 2000 Howitzer Vulnerabilities
Another German system, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer, reportedly suffered from significant “technical vulnerability,” raising serious questions about its overall “combat capability”.
Conclusion: Complexity Hinders Operational Value
Following the delivery of Ukrainian perspectives to German troops, the defense attaché concluded that, “Complicated equipment remains unused… The operational value of ultra-modern and complex large-scale equipment is low if troops cannot carry out repairs on site.” This highlights the critical need for battlefield maintainability.
Expert Analysis on Leopard 2 Performance
Sergej Sumlenny, Managing Director of the European Resilience Initiative Centre, offered insight into the Leopard 2’s struggles in Ukraine, despite its reputation as a world-class battle tank.
“They were designed by a generation of German manufacturers that hadn’t seen war, and so tended to overcomplicate the system,” Sumlenny explained, suggesting a design philosophy detached from real-world combat demands.
He further stated, “Older systems, designed in the 1960s by those who actually saw war, are far more useful on the battlefield but have weaker armor.”
Sumlenny added that “Leopard 2s were also not designed for the Ukrainian battlefield. They function well when they have good air support, but Ukraine is short on this,” pointing to the specific operational context in Ukraine as a factor in the tank’s perceived shortcomings.
Implications for German Defense Policy
These revelations present unwelcome news for the German government, particularly after recent parliamentary approval of measures championed by Friedrich Merz to increase defense spending.
Merz has affirmed the government’s commitment to a “significant” increase in defense expenditure over the next four years to meet NATO targets for military strength and armament.
German Military Modernization Plans
Germany is set to introduce a new voluntary military service, aiming to bolster troop numbers after suspending conscription in 2011. Readiness levels will be enhanced, and forces will be comprehensively equipped with modern weaponry and resources.
The government also plans to expedite defense procurement processes and simplify related procedures within its first six months, demonstrating a commitment to rapid military modernization.
Broader European Defense Spending Initiatives
Germany’s defense posture reflects a wider trend across Europe, prioritizing increased defense spending and procurement as the European Union prepares for potential security challenges, including scenarios where it might need to act independently of the United States.
EU “ReArm Europe” Plan
The EU’s “ReArm Europe” initiative envisions an 800 billion euro ($876 billion) increase in military spending over the next four years. This plan involves easing fiscal regulations on defense investments and exploring joint borrowing mechanisms for major defense projects within the EU framework.
European Defence Mechanism Proposal
EU ministers are also considering a proposal from the Bruegel think tank for a specialized fund, the European Defence Mechanism (EDM). This fund would concentrate on the production and procurement of “strategic enablers”—essential military infrastructure and equipment, often currently reliant on US provision.
Strategic Enablers and Enhanced Cooperation
These “strategic enablers” encompass critical systems such as joint command and control, satellite-based intelligence and communication, and the development of next-generation weapon systems like advanced fighter jets.
They also include integrated weapon systems vital for multiple nations, such as strategic air defense networks, large-scale air transport capabilities, maritime logistics, missile systems, and nuclear deterrence.
The EDM initiative aims to foster a unified European market for defense equipment, driving down costs, pooling resources, and enhancing interoperability among member states.
Fragmented EU Defense Production
Currently, defense production within the 27-nation EU is highly fragmented, characterized by multiple types of tanks, howitzers, and infantry fighting vehicles. This fragmentation has created logistical and operational challenges for units like those in Ukraine.
Ukrainian units have reported issues with the interchangeability of ammunition for Western military equipment, significantly hindering frontline effectiveness and escalating the costs associated with replacing munitions.